I’m somewhat new to the graphic design world and while
I’ve learned a lot in a pretty small amount of time, I have
some design aspects that will be very important for me to learn. I
have been trying to learn on my own, but I’m now at a point
of hoping to get someone to point me in the correct direction for
something specific. Currently I’ve been learning to use
Macromedia (now Adobe, I believe) Fireworks MX ‘04. Great
program it seems to me, but I really don’t know how to
compare it to another program, since it’s the first
I’ve been using/learning in depth.
I’ve been trying to discover how to create realistic
looking cat hair. Is there simply a particular plug-in I could
purchase, which would make this easier? I’ve tried with the
pen and path tools but can’t come up with something that
looks halfway realistic. The fill and stroke textures that came
with the version I have aren’t cutting it either. Am I
missing something that could be right in my face, or did I pick the
wrong program to use? I’m aiming for a look that’s
close to a drawing/painting and not too cartoon looking.

The other thing that I’m needing to learn how to do is
make my pen lines have thicker parts in some places, and thinner in
others. I believe Freehand has a specific vector tool for this, but
I haven’t been able to do so with Fireworks. I guess having
random outline thickness would make drawings look a bit more like a
drawing I’ve done in the past with pencil or charcoal. Right
now, my outlines strokes look too computer generated with the
uniform thickness. Is this particular effect going to require a
Wacom tablet or is there another way?

Thank you to any person who takes the time to help out a
fellow artist.

I’m somewhat new to the graphic design world and while
I’ve learned a lot in a pretty small amount of time, I have
some design aspects that will be very important for me to learn. I
have been trying to learn on my own, but I’m now at a point
of hoping to get someone to point me in the correct direction for
something specific. Currently I’ve been learning to use
Macromedia (now Adobe, I believe) Fireworks MX ‘04. Great
program it seems to me, but I really don’t know how to
compare it to another program, since it’s the first
I’ve been using/learning in depth.
I’ve been trying to discover how to create realistic
looking cat hair. Is there simply a particular plug-in I could
purchase, which would make this easier? I’ve tried with the
pen and path tools but can’t come up with something that
looks halfway realistic. The fill and stroke textures that came
with the version I have aren’t cutting it either. Am I
missing something that could be right in my face, or did I pick the
wrong program to use? I’m aiming for a look that’s
close to a drawing/painting and not too cartoon looking.

The other thing that I’m needing to learn how to do is
make my pen lines have thicker parts in some places, and thinner in
others. I believe Freehand has a specific vector tool for this, but
I haven’t been able to do so with Fireworks. I guess having
random outline thickness would make drawings look a bit more like a
drawing I’ve done in the past with pencil or charcoal. Right
now, my outlines strokes look too computer generated with the
uniform thickness. Is this particular effect going to require a
Wacom tablet or is there another way?

Thank you to any person who takes the time to help out a
fellow artist.

Chris

Hi Chris,

If you're trying to
draw (art or illustration), then Fireworks is probably not
the best program for you.

Your help is highly appreciated! It seems like people on
other boards are saying similar things...especially with the
Illustrator part. I've even had some suggest Photoshop. I'll
definitely be checking out all of the programs you have mentioned.
And since Fireworks can incorporate Photoshop plug-ins, I'm
definitely going to have to look into that. Again, thanks a bunch
for taking the time to help out!